El Dorado County, once the site of the Gold Rush, back in the 1840s, is now the home of 50 wineries; it is an AVA that was approved in 1983. Situated in northeast central California, this AVA is defined by its vineyards in the sky, so to speak, as plantings are situated between 1200 and 3500 feet. There are slightly ore than 2000 acres of vines, divided among more than varieties, with leading examples being Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera and Chardonnay; there are even a few plantings of Gewurztraminer, Roussanne, Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo. The El Dorado County AVA is part of the larger Sierra Hills AVA, which includes land in eight California counties. (Wine/Appellations)